How Bicycles Are Changing the Lives of These Girls in Kenya

They're really making a difference.

A bright light shines from Umoja Secondary School in Eldoret, Kenya, where children of Christian, Muslim and traditional African faiths study together and embody their motto — "Together We Rise."

In a world where many seek to divide, these students are choosing to embrace their differences and show the world that Together We Can Thrive.

In this inspiring 3-minute video, young girls conquer their fears, push past cultural constraints, and move boldly towards their dreams – on two wheels.

For many students in rural Kenya, distance is a barrier that prevents them from going to school. Often they walk over 4 miles just to get to school. Girls face even more obstacles accessing an education — like hours of morning chores and the threat of sexual assault on the way to school. With access to a bicycle, all of that changes.

But, Muslim girls in this area traditionally are not allowed to ride.

In 2016, 122 students received bicycles at Umoja Secondary School from World Bicycle Relief, a global non-profit distributing high quality bicycles in developing countries. A group of Muslim and Christian girls, together, chose to challenge cultural expectations that confined them. This is what they had to say about their newfound freedom of riding a bike:

"Owning a bicycle has changed my life a lot. I have come to face the world. It has helped me be confident. We can be ourselves, not what people want us to be," said Ayan,16 years old.

“It was so surprising to see the Muslim girls riding the bike. It changed my opinion because I now knew Muslim girls, they are just like us," said Kelly, 14 years old.

These brave girls breaking down barriers in Kenya have the stuff that inspires. Today, more than ever, our world needs these girls’ voices.